Serial shoplifter shot by police in Harlem Whole Foods

The man who allegedly pulled a knife on police and was then shot, being transported to the hospital where he was listed as stable. PHOTO: Diego Quinones (DiegoGQ339) via Twitter.

Harlem, Manhattan- An alleged shoplifter was shot by police last night inside a Whole Foods after he allegedly pulled a knife on responding officers, officials stated.

Police said that around 8:30 PM yesterday, officers from the 28th precinct responded to calls for a “violent” shoplifter held by security in a Whole Foods located at 100 W 125 St, near Malcolm X Blvd.

Upon arrival, police encountered a 28-year-old man who became combative and then pulled a knife, charging at one of the officers. Police gave the man several commands to drop the knife, but when he did not comply, one officer fired two shots—the man possibly received a gunshot wound the shoulder, according to NYPD Assistant Chief Kathleen O’Reilly.

Assistant Chief O’Reilly said the situation quickly escalated as the man became “increasingly agitated.” Although all the officers on the scene were reportedly trained to use a Taser electroshock weapon, none of them were equipped with one at the time of the shooting, according to O’Reilly.

Police say their description of how the shooting unfolded, is corroborated by video and eyewitness accounts; it was not immediately clear if police will eventually release any video of the shooting.

After the shooting, the alleged shoplifter was brought to Harlem Hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition, according to police officials.

Assistant Chief O’ Riley said the man is currently on parole and has an extensive criminal history—several of his prior arrests were for petty latency at the store where the shooting occurred, according to police.

Several officers present at the scene of the shooting were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for observation—none were reported to have significant injures, according to police.

A knife was recovered at the scene and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, the NYPD said.

A photo of the knife police say the man was holding when he was shot by police. The incident occurred in Harlem Whole Foods, where police say the man repeatedly stole from. PHOTO: NYPD DCPI

Earlier this evening, officers assigned to the @NYPD28Pct shot a suspect armed with a knife inside of a Whole Foods at 100 W. 125th Street. The suspect was transported to an area hospital and is in stable condition. More info when it is available.